Spaceship on wheels: Hong Kong car’s 3,000km solar-powered race across Australia

Futuristic solar-powered cars are racing across the rugged Australian outback in the ultimate endurance competition, with a Hong Kong car among those vying for the chequered flag.

Running on enough power for a hair dryer, some could complete the roughly 3,000km (1,860-mile) trek in just four days, reaching speeds as high as 130km/h (81mph).

This will be the 17th Bridgestone World Solar Challenge (BWSC) since 1987, which is usually held every two years. It started on Sunday in Darwin and ends in Adelaide around a week later. The 34 entries include teams from around the world, with most being from universities and schools.

The Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) is competing, with its car called Sophie 8X. Having finished day three in second place for their vehicle class, according to preliminary results, they moved up to first on day four.

Resembling a spaceship on wheels, the top of the wing-shaped IVE car is covered with dark solar cells. These cells convert sunlight into electricity, which is stored in batteries to be drawn off as needed to run a high-efficiency motor built into one of the wheels.

There are two special aspects to this vehicle. Firstly, unlike most solar racers, it has a practical real-world feel to it, as it is roomier and carries a driver and a passenger.